For the past few days I've been in Nashville Tennessee. I traveled there to attend the UtopYA 2012 Con, a convention designed by Janet Wallace to connect readers of young adult paranormal romance novels with the authors who write them (and vice versa). I didn't know what to expect. I thought I would be participating in a few panel discussions about writing and then I'd sign a few books. That happened, but that was secondary. Here's what really happened: I met the kindest, most generous people and I also began to really understand how absolutely INSANELY fortunate I am to have you as readers of my stories (Yeah, you are so completely awesome, but I'll get to that in a second because I want to try to write this without bawling through the entire thing). The industry that I have become a part of is a strange creature; just when I think I may understand it, I find out there is so much more to learn (and by that I mean, I have barely scratched the surface of what there is to know.) I used to think that it would be enough just to write a story--a good story--a compelling story. In a way, I was right. That story brought amazing readers into my life. One has but to read the comments on this blog to see just how creative and unique you are. I value you because trust me when I tell you that you are a rarity. In a business as competitive as this one, having you to come "home" to is a blessing.

But, I'm learning that it may not be enough to just write a story that people want to read. I was in Nashville on the campus of Vanderbilt University with a hoard of writers who can write good stories--captivating stories. The difference between some of them and me is that I seemed to have found people to help me along the way. I had friends who read my rough drafts and told me what they liked and what they hated. I have a mom who can go toe-to-toe with any copy editor out there in a grammar contest--and win. I have friends like Volatalistic Phil and Rob Guthrie who followed me on Twitter and helped me figure out the social site. (Thank you, Rob, for letting me know that someone isn't really saying nasty things about me, so I shouldn't blatantly follow that link and give them my twitter password). And I have an incredibly supportive husband who keeps pushing me to learn every technical process I can.

My lucky streak continued at UtopYA. I again found people willing to help me learn what I need to know, not only to be a better writer, but to be more successful at getting my work to you, the reader. I discovered some very valuable tips from this conference; for example, Angeline Kace, author of Descended by Blood, shared that you can get your computer to read to you. This is HUGE when editing! Georgia Cates (my roommate at the Con) and I each sat on our beds with our computers on our laps figuring out how to do that (for directions on how to do it, see * below). Georgia is the author of the Vampire Agape series, if you haven't read it, do. Abbi Glines, the author of The Vincent Boys & Existence, told us that she makes playlists that her characters listen to by using playlist.com! ENTIRE PLAYLISTS!!! FOR CHARACTERS!! (You know I'm doing that now—as soon as I can—start thinking about it so you can give me suggestions for each character.) Abbi also writes her own song lyrics and has musicians record the music. (She's a rockstar!) Kelly Simmons of InkSlingerPR gave me some brilliant advice on marketing (which I plan to share in later posts). And then there's Heather Robbins, "SupaGurl," who taught me so many things, but she mostly taught me about the passion of book bloggers for the stories they read. I'm truly awed by it and by her. (You can check out her blog: http://supagurlbooks.blogspot.com) I also made a few friends at the conference; to name them all would be difficult (but I will say I'm looking at you M. Leighton, Tiffany King, K.A. Kunz, Raine Thomas, Quinn Loftis.) Now, let's get back to you again, my readers (and here is where I'm already in tears). It was because of your generosity that the Premonition Series received honors for Best Villain and Best Debut Novel-Inescapable. YOU voted for it. I'm extremely grateful to you because more than the awards, it's like you reached out to me and gave me a hug. So, basically, what I'm saying is: these are ours—this all happened through your generosity. THANK YOU! (I'm such a baby, I'm totally crying.) I also want to thank Jamie, April, and Susan for all of your help and support at UtopYA.You guys rocked it :D

I won the minute I stepped foot in Nashville and met all of the brilliant people at UtopYA. The awards were icing. I've heard it said that no one gets to the top alone. I'm no where near the top, but neither am I alone.

* In Mac, you click on the apple icon on your toolbar, then "System Preferences," then under "System" click on "Speech," then click on "Text to Speech," then check the box that says: "Speak selected text when key is pressed." Now, highlight text that you want read to you and then press the Option+Esc keys together.BTW, Georgia and I decided "Alex" has the best robot voice.)

I am sooo happy for you!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your books and am anxiously awaiting Incendiary!
I saw pictures of you from author Chelsea Fine's blog from UtopYA!
So cool!
You definietly deserved every award you won!!!!

Great luck with ALL your endeavors!

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Rachel

7/13/2012 05:23:14

Congratulations! You totally deserved those awards! I wish I could have gone to meet you! I absolutely LOVE your books and I hope you continue writing! Thank you do much for giving us books to stay up all night and read and obsess about during the day! <3

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Tara

7/13/2012 06:31:13

Play list Yay! I've always like "Everything" by Lifehouse for Reed

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Sarah

7/13/2012 06:37:58

GREAT JOB AND KEEP UP THE WORK!
I think the music playlist for the book is a great deal and you should have a contest for it with recommendations from fans. If you ever do i have 3 songs to recommend by a band called WITHIN TEMPTATION for EVIE, REED and ALFRED...
EVIE: SONG: "FASTER" (I think this represents her feelings for Reed and what she has to go through while evolving and being kept in the dark about everything)
lyrics...
I can’t sleep ‘cause it's burning deep inside
Like gasoline on fire running wild
No more fear ‘cause I’m getting closer now
So unreal but I like it anyhow

[Pre-chorus:]
I go faster and faster and faster and faster and faster and faster and faster.

[Chorus:]
And I can’t live in a fairytale of lies
And I can’t hide from the feeling ‘cause it’s right
And I go faster and faster and faster and faster for life
I can’t live in a fairytale of lies

I can feel that you mesmerize my heart
I feel so free, I’m alive, I’m breaking out
I won’t give in, ‘cause I’m proud of all my scars
And I can see I’ve been wasting too much time

[Pre-chorus and chorus]

A fairytale of lies

REED: SONG: "LOST" (I think this represents Reed's feelings after Evie leave's and loses contact with everybody)
lyrics...
My hope is on fire
My dreams are for sale
I dance on a wire
I don't want to fail her

I walk against the stream
Far from what I believe in
I run towards the end
Trying not to give in

She's lost in the darkness
Fading away
I'm still around here
Screaming her name
She's haunting my dreamworld
Trying to survive
My heart is frozen
I'm losing my mind

Help me, I'm buried alive
Buried alive

I'm burning the bridges
And there's no return
I'm trying to reach her
I feel that she yearns

I walk against the stream
Far from what I believe in
I run towards the end
Trying not to give in

She's lost in the darkness
Fading away
I'm still around here
Screaming her name
She's haunting my dreamworld
Trying to survive
My heart is frozen
I'm losing my mind

Help me, I'm buried alive
Buried alive

I tried to revive what's already drowned
They think I'm a fool who can't realize
Hope plays a wicked game with the mind
'Cause I thought that love would bind
I cannot revive what's already drowned
She won't come around

She's lost in the darkness
Fading away
I'm still around here
Screaming her name
She's haunting my dreamworld
Trying to survive
My heart is frozen
I'm losing my mind

Help me, I'm buried alive
Buried alive

ALFRED: SONG: "A DEMON'S FATE" (I think this represents Freddie turning into Alfred in the eyes of Evie. Friend to foe)
lyrics...
You’ll burn this time
Seeing the violence
It's feeding my mind
No one is saving you
How can you find a heaven in this hell?

Leave it behind
Hearing your silence
It screams our goodbye
Cannot believe it's an eye for an eye
Let us go to waste

Angels have faith
I don't want to be a part of his sin
I don't want to get lost in his world
I'm not playing this game

When the shadows remain
in the light of day
On the wings of darkness he'll retaliate
He'll be falling from grace
'Til the end of all his days

From the ashes and hate
It's a cruel demon's fate
On the wings of darkness
He's returned to stay
There will be no escape
'Cause he's fallen far from grace

Ohhohoho

What have you done?
Is this what you wanted?
What have you become?
Your soul's not forsaken
You're walking alone
From heaven into hell.
Now you know
Your way in this madness
Your powers have gone
Your chains have been broken
You've suffered so long
You will never change.

Angels have faith
I don't want to be a part of his sin
I don't want to get lost in his world
I'm not playing this game

When the shadows remain
in the light of day
On the wings of darkness
He'll retaliate
He'll be falling from grace
'Til the end of all his days

From the ashes and hate
It's a cruel demon's fate
On the wings of darkness
He's returned to stay
There will be no escape
'Cause he's fallen far from grace

Angels have faith
I don't want to be a part of his sin
I don't want to get lost in his world
I'm not playing this game

When the shadows remain
in the light of day
On the wings of darkness
He'll retaliate
He'll be falling from grace
'Til the end of all his days

From the ashes and hate
It's a cruel demon's fate
On the wings of darkness
He's returned to stay
There will be no escape
'Cause he's fallen far from grace

Can't wait for the 4th book..............

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alli

7/13/2012 07:42:25

Congrats!!

Just wondering, do u have a list up anywhere of other books or authors u would reccomend or the books u like? I've completely fallen in love with your books but we've gotta have something to fill the gaps lol :) and I'm a huge fan of Abbie glines also ive read all her books. Ill have to check out the other authors u mentioned :)

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Amy P.

7/14/2012 01:26:59

You should try Tammara Webber. Her books are wonderful....especially Easy!! She's also another Self-published author so that I love to support. :D

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alli

7/16/2012 02:56:05

Lol ive actually read all her books. Easy is one of my faves and I just finished her between the lines series. Loved them

Becky

7/13/2012 09:48:16

I am so happy for you! Your books are just simply amazing. You are such a talent and I wish you never stop writing and proving it to all of us. I have been recommending your books to everyone I know :) I am impatiently waiting for incendiary but I know that with time comes perfection. The characters that you create are truly wonderful and I find myself loving all of them. Congrats again! You deserve every award and not just because of your fans but because your just amazing.

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Tiffany

7/13/2012 14:08:07

Congrats on the awards, you earned them. You create a world that allows us to escape to after a long day of work and reality. This past weekend I shut and locked the door and turned my phone off so I could read these books and not be disturbed. So thank you for making reading a joy. Please keep writing and I'll definitely keep reading.

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lisa

7/14/2012 08:53:58

Congratulations on the awards- You really do deserve it. As a busy mom of 3 boys (one who is special needs) I can't tell you how much it means to me to have a good -- in your case AMAZING story look forward to at night when I need to relax and escape my reality for a while. I hope that you continue to write because WE are the lucky ones. Do ya need more tellin? -- by the way, that almost slipped out the other day when I was talking to my fresh little one-- made me laugh out loud, so thanks again!!

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alaina

7/14/2012 15:24:19

I am so thrilled to have found you and your amazing ability to write such deeply feeling characters in such an incredibly well-crafted world! Congratulations!...and I have an ongoing mental note to self now to say "I would" instead of yes...Brennus really is an amazing villian, and I am totally in the Evie boat of confusion on my feelings towards such an incredible "baddie ". Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing it with us!

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alaina

7/15/2012 06:52:16

I heard an aucoustic version of "free falling " this morning...Evie flying the first time while trying to evade the ganacaugh...

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Tiffany

7/16/2012 02:53:02

Congrats Amy!! Im so happy for you!! You totally deserve it!! I love reading you books and blogs! You are so sweet! I cant wait to see what the future has for you!! =-)

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Rebecca

7/16/2012 09:04:04

You totally kicked some ass. I think you are a true tallent. I love your writing and your books tend to make me lose sleep because i can't put them down. I can't wait for the 4th book. Thank you for giving me an escape into a world I didn't think existed.

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Ashley

7/18/2012 11:03:06

I am so moved by your books. I read A LOT and a lot of similar things to these books but NOTHING like them. I love your P.O.V and how it is very fast paced. I had just picked up the first book 3 days ago and I am now finished with all of them waiting for the 4th! I usually do not read that fast unless it is something that captivates me. Your books pull me in and make me not want to leave, So thank you for writing and not only that but being persistent with how quickly the books come out. You have done an amazing job and I hope one day VERY soon these books will be made into movies.

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Jennie

7/18/2012 12:50:28

Congrats on the awards. You sooo deserved them and more. Keep writing and we will keep reading. Adore your books!!!!

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jennie

7/20/2012 15:41:13

Oh and thank you for posting those other authors. I read The Vincent Boys today and loved it. Hopefully those books will help me survive until Incendiary is released. Or I can just read your books all again for the 20th time :) Everytime I read them I just fall more in love with all your characters.

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Geri

7/21/2012 09:50:31

Amy,
I came across "Inescapable" about a week ago, and (much to the dismay of my husband--oh well!) I haven't been able to put the books down. I am reading them slowly and have been savoring each chapter. But I don't think I will be able to drag it out until the next books comes out. I guess I will just have to read them again! I was enthralled with your storyline and your superb writing abilities. I am starting "Indebted" and already I can't wait for Incendiary. Will there be more in the series? I could go on reading and reading....
I especially enjoyed the "Michigan" slant being a "Troll". We moved from a Detroit suburb to Arizona 12 years ago and although I LOVE it here, I do miss the fall colors. We would take a trip every fall to just enjoy the color change.
Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the books. Keep up the outstanding work!!
Geri

Amy,
I started the series at the beginning of the week and I just finished Indebted last night. I've been walking around the house with my Kindle in my hands, hanging onto every word. Now, I can't wait for the next book. Guess I'll have to read them again while I wait. You've done a fabulous job with this series!!!! Your characters are truly swoon-worthy. Just had to tell you. ;)

I missed you at yatopia. But it looks like you will be at decatur book fest and so will ) - im in (Coleman and Stott tent) close by you.

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Cryssi Jeffries

8/15/2012 06:04:13

so my friend and i have been saying the song Lights by Ellie goulding reminds us of Evie, and I heard it on the way to work this morning and totally pictured when they were breaking Evie out of Brennus's castle and that epic fight. I could picture it all while listening to the song.

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Amy A. Bartol

8/15/2012 06:15:51

Wow, Lights is actually the first song on Evie's playlist that I put together on Spotify! I'm floored!! You're awesome!! If you want to check it out, you can join Spotify for free and then subscribe (for free) to the playlist in my profile. You can friend me on Facebook and find it that way, too! http://www.facebook.com/amyabartol Thanks for your suggestion. It's spot on!